s1buell_wl wrote:I had that harness (dead in 6 months). I agree its bad.....

I hate to make a recommendations but I moved to the OR 2 (its not perfect either no harness is). I'm also hard on things. I've had this harness for two years of kiting all year round and its still like new. Only damage is sun fading (That will give you an idea of how much I use it)

Its also a hybrid harness if I want to go freestyle I can convert it to a waist harness in 5min.

Oh and zero and I mean zero ass hugging due to the mountian climing type leg straps.
Hope this helps
T

I have about 50 sessions on my Fusion. Still looks solid.(knock on wood)
I use a Dyna bar sliding hook with mine. The Dyna bar is very well built. It really works well with seat harness, lots more freedom . My not be so good for the unhook riders.

2nd year kiter, I have only used one harness, the Ocean Rodeo Session 2, so I have nothing to compare to ... but I can say I am very happy with it.

After approximately 125 sessions, it is still going strong. The only sign of wear is stretching of the cords that hold the leg straps in place, easy replacement. I've yet to try a waist harness, but when the leg strap cord had stretched it basically was one, after lots of airs the harness would ride up to my chest. I know that most of the kiting community is against seat harnesses, but I really like the back support, sure felt nice to get the leg straps set up properly again.

It comes with a hook knife in a pocket on back....that is a minor complaint I have, for someone less than yoga flexible, it is unlikely you can pull the knife in an emergency situation.

I like to ride toeside and am more into surf than jumping ... so I got a Dynabar sliding bar hook. For seat harness enthusiasts who like to carve toeside, very highly recommended. Frees up your hips. Great for walking back up the beach too.

matth wrote:Seat all the way for me. Better comfort, better leverage. Would you were a waist harness skydiving or rock climbing (no)?. Why would you want to hang from your rib cage.

Bottom line IMO, seats are superior, they just don't look cool!!

Mmm... I've had a half-dozen sessions on a waist this week, and actually find it as comfortable as a seat - but as uncomfortable in different ways No wedgies is awesome!

15 years zero wedgies. Are you sure its not on backwards?
In the end its a personal choice, if the waist works for you that's great. I personally do not enjoy being pulled by my lower back , having my ribs crushed , and reaching 3 feet to find my bar.
Waist has its place , waves ,freestyle, light freeriding. But for superior comfort , power , leverage, a seat is just better. A seat spreads the load and is far less stressful to your body. How many racers(who are holding down massive amounts of power) do you see with waist harnesses?
Not many